Artaxerxes, king of kings. To Ezra the priest, the scribe of the Law of the God of heaven: Greetings. ArtaxerxesThe name "Artaxerxes" refers to the Persian king reigning during the time of Ezra. Historically, Artaxerxes I ruled from 465-424 BC. The title "Artaxerxes" itself is of Persian origin, meaning "Righteous Ruler" or "Whose Reign is Through Truth." This highlights the king's perceived role as a just and authoritative leader. In the context of Ezra, Artaxerxes' decree demonstrates the providence of God in using foreign rulers to accomplish His purposes for Israel. king of kings
This title, "king of kings," was commonly used by Persian monarchs to assert their supremacy over other rulers. It reflects the vastness of the Persian Empire, which extended over many lands and peoples. From a biblical perspective, this title also serves as a reminder that earthly power is ultimately subordinate to God's sovereignty. While Artaxerxes is a "king of kings," God is the King of all creation, orchestrating events according to His divine plan. To Ezra
The phrase "To Ezra" indicates the recipient of the letter. Ezra is a central figure in the restoration of Jerusalem and the Jewish community after the Babylonian exile. His name means "Help" or "Helper," signifying his role in assisting the people in returning to their covenant relationship with God. Ezra's leadership and dedication to the Law of God were instrumental in the spiritual renewal of the Israelites. the priest
As "the priest," Ezra held a significant religious position. Priests in Israel were responsible for mediating between God and the people, performing sacrifices, and teaching the Law. Ezra's priestly role underscores his authority and responsibility in guiding the spiritual life of the community. His lineage as a descendant of Aaron, the first high priest, further legitimizes his leadership. the scribe
The term "the scribe" highlights Ezra's expertise in the Law of God. Scribes were scholars and teachers of the Scriptures, responsible for copying, preserving, and interpreting the sacred texts. Ezra's dual role as both priest and scribe emphasizes his comprehensive understanding of the Law and his commitment to its application in the lives of the people. of the Law of the God of heaven
This phrase underscores the divine origin and authority of the Law that Ezra is tasked with teaching. "The God of heaven" is a title that emphasizes God's sovereignty and transcendence, distinguishing Him from the pagan gods of the surrounding nations. The Law is not merely a set of rules but a divine covenant that reveals God's will and character to His people. Greetings
The word "Greetings" is a formal salutation, indicating respect and goodwill. In the context of this letter, it reflects the favorable disposition of Artaxerxes towards Ezra and the Jewish people. This greeting sets the tone for the decree that follows, which grants Ezra the authority and resources needed to lead the spiritual and social restoration of the Jewish community in Jerusalem. Persons / Places / Events 1. ArtaxerxesThe Persian king who reigned during the time of Ezra. Known as "king of kings," he was a powerful ruler who allowed the Jewish exiles to return to Jerusalem and supported the rebuilding of the temple. 2. EzraA priest and scribe skilled in the Law of Moses. He was a leader among the Jewish exiles and played a crucial role in the spiritual and religious restoration of Jerusalem. 3. The Law of the God of heavenRefers to the Torah, the first five books of the Bible, which Ezra was tasked with teaching and implementing among the Jewish people. 4. PersiaThe empire ruled by Artaxerxes, which was the dominant world power at the time. It played a significant role in the history of the Jewish people during the post-exilic period. 5. JerusalemThe city to which Ezra and the exiles returned. It was the center of Jewish worship and the location of the temple, which was being rebuilt. Teaching Points God's Sovereignty in LeadershipGod can use even pagan kings to accomplish His purposes. Artaxerxes' support of Ezra demonstrates God's control over world events and leaders. The Importance of ScriptureEzra's role as a scribe underscores the importance of knowing and teaching God's Word. Believers are called to be diligent in studying and applying Scripture in their lives. Faithfulness in ExileEzra's commitment to God's Law, even in a foreign land, serves as a model for maintaining faithfulness regardless of circumstances. The Role of Spiritual LeadershipEzra's leadership was crucial for the spiritual renewal of the Jewish people. Spiritual leaders today are called to guide others in understanding and living out God's Word. God's Provision and FavorThe favor shown to Ezra by Artaxerxes is a reminder of how God provides for His people and opens doors for His work to be accomplished. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the title "king of kings" used for Artaxerxes compare to its use for God in other parts of the Bible, and what does this teach us about God's ultimate authority? 2. In what ways can we, like Ezra, be diligent in studying and teaching God's Word in our own communities? 3. How does the support of Artaxerxes for Ezra's mission demonstrate God's provision, and how can we trust God to provide for our needs today? 4. What lessons can we learn from Ezra's faithfulness in exile that apply to maintaining our faith in challenging environments? 5. How can spiritual leaders today emulate Ezra's example in leading others towards a deeper understanding and application of Scripture? Connections to Other Scriptures Nehemiah 2Nehemiah, like Ezra, was also granted permission by Artaxerxes to return to Jerusalem, highlighting the king's favorable disposition towards the Jewish people. Daniel 6The phrase "king of kings" is also used in reference to other rulers, emphasizing the authority and power of earthly kings, yet ultimately pointing to God's sovereignty. Deuteronomy 17The role of the scribe and the importance of the Law in guiding the people of Israel, which Ezra exemplified in his mission. People Aaron, Abishua, Ahitub, Amariah, Artaxerxes, Azariah, Bukki, Eleazar, Ezra, Hilkiah, Israelites, Levites, Meraioth, Phinehas, Seraiah, Shallum, Uzzi, Zadok, ZerahiahPlaces Babylonia, Beyond the River, Jerusalem, PersiaTopics Accomplished, Artaxerxes, Ar-ta-xerx'es, Ezra, Forth, Greetings, Heaven, Heavens, Kings, Law, Peace, Perfect, Priest, Scribe, TeacherDictionary of Bible Themes Ezra 7:12 5328 greeting
7377 high priest, OT Ezra 7:1-21 7464 teachers of the law Ezra 7:11-17 7468 temple, rebuilding Ezra 7:12-18 4333 gold Ezra 7:12-20 7505 Jews, the Library Appendix. The Apocryphal Books of the Old Testament.
1. The Greek word Apocrypha, hidden, that is, hidden or secret books, was early applied by the fathers of the Christian church to anonymous or spurious books that falsely laid claim to be a part of the inspired word. By some, as Jerome, the term was extended to all the books incorporated by the Alexandrine Jews, in their Greek version, into the proper canon of the Old Testament, a few of which books, though not inspired, are undoubtedly genuine. Another designation of the books in question …
E. P. Barrows—Companion to the BibleReading the Law with Tears and Joy
'And all the people gathered themselves together as one man into the street that was before the water gate; and they spake unto Ezra the scribe to bring the book of the law of Moses, which the Lord had commanded to Israel. 2. And Ezra the priest brought the law before the congregation both of men and women, and all that could hear with understanding, upon the first day of the seventh month. 3. And he read therein before the street that was before the water gate, from the morning until midday, before …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture Rome and Ephesus
Corinth as portrayed in the Epistles of Paul gives us our simplest and least contaminated picture of the Hellenic Christianity which regarded itself as the cult of the Lord Jesus, who offered salvation--immortality--to those initiated in his mysteries. It had obvious weaknesses in the eyes of Jewish Christians, even when they were as Hellenised as Paul, since it offered little reason for a higher standard of conduct than heathenism, and its personal eschatology left no real place for the resurrection …
Kirsopp Lake—Landmarks in the History of Early Christianity Authorship of the Pentateuch.
The term Pentateuch is composed of the two Greek words, pente, five, and teuchos, which in later Alexandrine usage signified book. It denotes, therefore, the collection of five books; or, the five books of the law considered as a whole. 1. In our inquiries respecting the authorship of the Pentateuch, we begin with the undisputed fact that it existed in its present form in the days of Christ and his apostles, and had so existed from the time of Ezra. When the translators of the Greek version, …
E. P. Barrows—Companion to the Bible Of Antichrist, and his Ruin: and of the Slaying the Witnesses.
BY JOHN BUNYAN PREFATORY REMARKS BY THE EDITOR This important treatise was prepared for the press, and left by the author, at his decease, to the care of his surviving friend for publication. It first appeared in a collection of his works in folio, 1692; and although a subject of universal interest; most admirably elucidated; no edition has been published in a separate form. Antichrist has agitated the Christian world from the earliest ages; and his craft has been to mislead the thoughtless, by …
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3 Brave Encouragements
'In the seventh month, in the one and twentieth day of the month, came the word of the Lord by the prophet Haggai, saying, 2. Speak now to Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel, governor of Judah, and to Joshua the son of Josedech, the high priest, and to the residue of the people, saying, 3. Who is left among you that saw this house in her first glory? and how do ye see it now? is it not in your eyes in comparison of it as nothing? 4. Yet now be strong, O Zerubbabel, saith the Lord; and be strong, O Joshua, …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture General Account of Jesus' Teaching.
^A Matt. IV. 17; ^B Mark I. 14, 15; ^C Luke IV. 14, 15. ^a 17 From that time Jesus began to preach [The time here indicated is that of John the Baptist's imprisonment and Jesus' return to Galilee. This time marked a new period in the public ministry of Jesus. Hitherto he had taught, but he now began to preach. When the voice of his messenger, John, was silenced, the King became his own herald. Paul quoted the Greeks as saying that preaching was "foolishness," but following the example here set by …
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel The Section Chap. I. -iii.
The question which here above all engages our attention, and requires to be answered, is this: Whether that which is reported in these chapters did, or did not, actually and outwardly take place. The history of the inquiries connected with this question is found most fully in Marckius's "Diatribe de uxore fornicationum," Leyden, 1696, reprinted in the Commentary on the Minor Prophets by the same author. The various views may be divided into three classes. 1. It is maintained by very many interpreters, …
Ernst Wilhelm Hengstenberg—Christology of the Old Testament Formation and History of the Hebrew Canon.
1. The Greek word canon (originally a straight rod or pole, measuring-rod, then rule) denotes that collection of books which the churches receive as given by inspiration of God, and therefore as constituting for them a divine rule of faith and practice. To the books included in it the term canonical is applied. The Canon of the Old Testament, considered in reference to its constituent parts, was formed gradually; formed under divine superintendence by a process of growth extending through …
E. P. Barrows—Companion to the Bible Appendix v. Rabbinic Theology and Literature
1. The Traditional Law. - The brief account given in vol. i. p. 100, of the character and authority claimed for the traditional law may here be supplemented by a chronological arrangement of the Halakhoth in the order of their supposed introduction or promulgation. In the first class, or Halakhoth of Moses from Sinai,' tradition enumerates fifty-five, [6370] which may be thus designated: religio-agrarian, four; [6371] ritual, including questions about clean and unclean,' twenty-three; [6372] concerning …
Alfred Edersheim—The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah The Historical Books.
1. In the Pentateuch we have the establishment of the Theocracy, with the preparatory and accompanying history pertaining to it. The province of the historical books is to unfold its practiced working, and to show how, under the divine superintendence and guidance, it accomplished the end for which it was given. They contain, therefore, primarily, a history of God's dealings with the covenant people under the economy which he had imposed upon them. They look at the course of human events on the …
E. P. Barrows—Companion to the Bible Influences that Gave Rise to the Priestly Laws and Histories
[Sidenote: Influences in the exile that produced written ceremonial laws] The Babylonian exile gave a great opportunity and incentive to the further development of written law. While the temple stood, the ceremonial rites and customs received constant illustration, and were transmitted directly from father to son in the priestly families. Hence, there was little need of writing them down. But when most of the priests were carried captive to Babylonia, as in 597 B.C., and ten years later the temple …
Charles Foster Kent—The Origin & Permanent Value of the Old Testament Ezra-Nehemiah
Some of the most complicated problems in Hebrew history as well as in the literary criticism of the Old Testament gather about the books of Ezra and Nehemiah. Apart from these books, all that we know of the origin and early history of Judaism is inferential. They are our only historical sources for that period; and if in them we have, as we seem to have, authentic memoirs, fragmentary though they be, written by the two men who, more than any other, gave permanent shape and direction to Judaism, then …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament Links Ezra 7:12 NIVEzra 7:12 NLTEzra 7:12 ESVEzra 7:12 NASBEzra 7:12 KJV
Ezra 7:12 Commentaries
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